The company has already seen as many claims this summer as for
the whole of last year for holidaymakers injuring themselves
falling off balconies and other surfaces. AXA believes many
of these are related to the rise of crazes such as owling, planking
and batting where people take pictures of themselves in unusual
positions and places and then post them on-line.
Often the incidents coincide with heavy drinking which in itself
can negate a travel insurance claim. But the company also
advises travellers that irresponsible behaviour, whether under the
influence or not, will mean insurance claims may well be turned
down.
AXA warns holidaymakers that accidents can end up costing hundreds
of thousands of pounds once long term care, repatriation and
hospital costs are taken into account. Repatriation can cost
around £30,000 from Europe and up to £60,000 from the USA.
And a daily hospital rate (before treatment) can run to £5000 in
Europe and $15,000 in the USA. Of course, in the worst cases,
these accidents can result in death.
Roman Bryl, underwriting manager at AXA travel insurance says: "We
don't want to stop anyone having fun on holiday but we are very
concerned by the rise in 'accidents' reported to us this
year.
"We would urge all holidaymakers and their families to be
aware of the dangers and potential consequences of taking part in
these crazes - it's just not worth the risk in terms of both your
health and finances.
"Travel insurance is there to protect against accidents but it is
not a catch all and holidaymakers have to act responsibly.
AXA's policy, in line with others, states that it is up to
holidaymakers to 'take all reasonable precautions to avoid
injury'."
AXA statistics show that the majority of injuries and incidents
that could be potentially related to these crazes occur among young
adults.
- Owling - taking pictures of yourself 'perched' in an unusual place
- Planking - taking pictures of yourself lying down in an unusual place
- Batting - taking pictures of yourself hanging upside down in an unusual place
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